Leeds pub aims for third Great British Pub Award as award-winning garden continues to bloom
The Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood has been shortlisted for Best Pub Garden at the national Great British Pub Awards as publican Scott Westlake celebrates 15 years at the helm
A Leeds pub with one of the UK's most celebrated outdoor spaces is in the running for national recognition once again after being shortlisted at this year's Great British Pub Awards.
The Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood, which has already won the prestigious Best Pub Garden title twice, is hoping to make it a hat-trick after being named among this year's national finalists.
The latest recognition comes during a milestone year for publican Scott Westlake, who is celebrating 15 years at the helm of the popular Stonegate venue, having transformed it from a pub on the brink of closure into a nationally acclaimed community hub.
For Scott and his team, the national shortlist is the reward for years of continuous investment, innovation, and hands-on maintenance.
Scott said: "It's unbelievable to be shortlisted three years in a row, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile. It's given us the drive to improve and continue maintenance, keeping our gardens looking pristine.
"The garden is the first thing customers see. Its impact is there to wow people. The pub sits within the garden rather than the other way around, and whatever the weather, it's something everyone can enjoy."
Over the years, the venue's outdoor space has become a destination in its own right.
At the heart of its success is a family-led approach to horticulture, with Scott, his father Peter, and uncle Mick spending countless hours cultivating homegrown floral displays from seed.
In addition to colourful rockeries and seasonal flower displays, recent investments at the venue have included an outdoor kitchen, a new car park surface, a wildlife pond, and an extended marquee space to accommodate winter guests.
Looking ahead, the team is already preparing for their ambitious annual festive transformation, 'Miracle on Myrtle Square', which features a £10,000 Christmas installation taking over 400 hours to build.
However, all eyes remain on next week's awards ceremony, where the team hopes to lift the top trophy on home soil.
Scott added: "To win again and be on stage with the team would be incredible. We've completed all the work we wanted to do, and now we hope to enjoy many more years in this beautiful garden and pub."
The Great British Pub Awards 2026 national final takes place on September 23 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.